The waters off the coast of Nova Scotia are rich in marine life, making them a popular destination for commercial fishing. However, concerns over the sustainability of these fishing practices have led to the establishment of a marine refuge in the Eastern Canyons region. The Cape Breton Marine Refuge Eastern Canyons will cover 44,000 sq. km and will be off-limits to almost all fishing.
The Eastern Canyons region is an area of deep-sea canyons and underwater mountains that are home to a variety of unique and endangered species. The area is also an important feeding ground for endangered North Atlantic right whales, which have been declining in number in recent years. The establishment of the marine refuge is aimed at protecting these important marine ecosystems and ensuring the sustainability of the fisheries that rely on them.
The decision to create the Cape Breton Marine Refuge Eastern Canyons was made after years of consultation with stakeholders, including fishermen, Indigenous communities, environmental organizations, and scientists. The process was led by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, which is responsible for managing Canada’s fisheries and protecting its oceans.
The marine refuge will be divided into two zones: a “core protection zone” and a “buffer zone.” The core protection zone will cover the canyons themselves and will be completely off limits to all commercial and recreational fishing. The buffer zone will surround the core protection zone and will be subject to some restrictions on fishing activities. However, some types of fishing will still be allowed in this area, including lobster and crab fishing using traps.
The establishment of the Cape Breton Marine Refuge Eastern Canyons has been met with mixed reactions from different groups. Environmental organizations and scientists have praised the decision as an important step towards protecting the region’s unique and endangered marine ecosystems. The fishing industry, on the other hand, has expressed concerns over the economic impact of the decision.
The fishing industry in Nova Scotia is an important source of employment and income for many communities, particularly in rural areas. The establishment of the marine refuge will mean that some fishermen will no longer be able to fish in the affected areas, which could have a significant impact on their livelihoods. However, the government has promised to provide compensation to affected fishermen and to work with them to transition to more sustainable fishing practices.
The establishment of the Cape Breton Marine Refuge Eastern Canyons is part of a larger effort to protect Canada’s oceans and ensure the sustainability of its fisheries. In recent years, there has been growing concern over the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems, including overfishing, pollution, and climate change. The establishment of marine protected areas, like the Cape Breton Marine Refuge Eastern Canyons, is seen as an important tool for addressing these challenges.
Marine protected areas are designated areas of the ocean that are set aside for conservation and sustainable use. They are designed to protect important marine ecosystems and species, while also allowing for some types of human activities, such as fishing and tourism. Marine protected areas can be established at the national, regional, or local level, and can take a variety of different forms, from fully protected “no-take” zones to areas with more flexible management plans.
The benefits of marine protected areas are many. They provide important habitats for endangered and threatened species, help to maintain healthy marine ecosystems and support sustainable fisheries. They also provide opportunities for scientific research and monitoring, which can help us to better understand the impacts of human activities on the ocean and inform more effective conservation strategies.
The establishment of the Cape Breton Marine Refuge Eastern Canyons is an important step towards protecting Canada’s oceans and ensuring the sustainability of its fisheries. It is a testament to the importance of collaboration and partnerships between conservationists, governments and local stakeholders.
This piece was prepared online by Panuruji Kenta, Publisher, SEVENSEAS Media